Commerce Under Secretary Pleased with Dismissal of Lawsuit Against USPTO Official

Washington, D.C. - Under Secretary Jon Dudas issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. District Court dismissal of the lawsuit challenging the appointment of Margaret Peterlin, the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

"I am pleased the U.S. District Court dismissed this meritless lawsuit. Margaret Peterlin is well qualified to serve in her capacity as deputy under secretary, and we at the department continue to support her in fulfilling the duties of her office. USPTO had another record-breaking year in 2007 exceeding all goals in quality, production and e-Government. These results are testament to the hard work of the employees who represent the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office."